Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced that after thorough review, criminal charges will not be filed against the Independence police officer involved in the November 2024 shooting, resulting in the deaths of a woman and her infant.&nbsp;

“We did not arrive at this decision lightly. The loss of a young mother and her infant are devastating and tragic,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “However, as prosecutors, we are bound by an oath to apply the law and analyze facts without being guided by the sympathy we feel for all those impacted. Our purpose is to determine if what was done was reasonable, defined by Missouri law, and not whether it was the best course of action.”

On Nov. 7, 2024, Independence police officers responded to a reported assault at an apartment complex. After documenting the witness’s injuries, officers determined they had enough evidence to arrest the woman for assault.&nbsp;

A witness allowed officers into the apartment unit where they located the woman in a bedroom closet, holding her infant. Body camera footage shows the woman was non-verbal during the encounter, communicating only through gestures. The officers requested a Crisis Intervention Team to help resolve the situation and contacted the Children’s Division to help with the infant’s care.&nbsp;

The woman then moved out of the closet and sat on the bed in the bedroom. As officers were discussing how to safely take the woman into custody, she suddenly grabbed a butcher knife from the bedside table while holding the infant. Body camera footage showed the woman moving toward one officer, who was able to back away toward the hallway. She then turned toward the shooting officer who was backed against a closet without space to retreat. The officer fired four shots in quick succession as the woman advanced with the knife, striking both the woman and the infant. Both the woman and infant died from their injuries.&nbsp;

Missouri law, under Section 563.046, RSMo, allows an officer to use deadly force when:

Even then, according to Missouri law, the shooting officer was authorized to shoot the woman only if he reasonably believed that shooting her was immediately necessary to effect the arrest or prevent escape.&nbsp;

When prosecutors analyze harm to bystanders, in this case, the infant, prosecutors must determine if the officer acted intentionally or with criminal recklessness toward the bystander. Criminal recklessness requires “conscious disregarding of a substantial and unjustifiable risk” and a “gross deviation from the standard of care.”

The evidence in this case shows the officer responded to an immediate threat of deadly force when the woman approached the officers with the butcher knife; the suddenness of the attack—just seconds from the knife appearing to shots fired—left no time for a different response; and the officer had no space to retreat.

Based on these facts and following Missouri law regarding use of force, the officer’s use of deadly force falls within the protection of the law. The evidence is also insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer intentionally shot the infant or consciously disregarded the risk to the child.

“We recognize the profound loss suffered by the families and our entire community and frankly wish that circumstances were handled differently. However, that is not the role of this Committee or this Office. Rather, our review of this incident is ethically and legally limited to determining only whether criminal charges are appropriate,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “While this decision may not bring the closure many seek, especially given the weight of this tragedy, we are issuing this letter to uphold our commitment to transparency.”

Read the full letter further explaining the decision&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2545/FINAL-Independence-OIS-Letter">here</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742070477364.png" alt="Independence Police body camera image of the Oval Springs apartment complex on the day of the officer-shooting" />
 <figcaption>Independence Police body camera image of the Oval Springs apartment complex on the day of the officer-shooting</figcaption>
 </figure>Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced that after thorough review, criminal charges will not be filed against the Independence police officer involved in the November 2024 shooting, resulting in the deaths of a woman and her infant.&nbsp;“We did not arrive at this decision lightly. The loss of a young mother and her infant are devastating and tragic,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “However, as prosecutors, we are bound by an oath to apply the law and analyze facts without being guided by the sympathy we feel for all those impacted. Our purpose is to determine if what was done was reasonable, defined by Missouri law, and not whether it was the best course of action.”On Nov. 7, 2024, Independence police officers responded to a reported assault at an apartment complex. After documenting the witness’s injuries, officers determined they had enough evidence to arrest the woman for assault.&nbsp;A witness allowed officers into the apartment unit where they located the woman in a bedroom closet, holding her infant. Body camera footage shows the woman was non-verbal during the encounter, communicating only through gestures. The officers requested a Crisis Intervention Team to help resolve the situation and contacted the Children’s Division to help with the infant’s care.&nbsp;The woman then moved out of the closet and sat on the bed in the bedroom. As officers were discussing how to safely take the woman into custody, she suddenly grabbed a butcher knife from the bedside table while holding the infant. Body camera footage showed the woman moving toward one officer, who was able to back away toward the hallway. She then turned toward the shooting officer who was backed against a closet without space to retreat. The officer fired four shots in quick succession as the woman advanced with the knife, striking both the woman and the infant. Both the woman and infant died from their injuries.&nbsp;Missouri law, under Section 563.046, RSMo, allows an officer to use deadly force when:<ul>
 <li>The officer reasonably believes the person is attempting to escape by using a deadly weapon, or</li><li>The person may endanger life or inflict serious physical injury unless arrested</li>
 </ul>Even then, according to Missouri law, the shooting officer was authorized to shoot the woman only if he reasonably believed that shooting her was immediately necessary to effect the arrest or prevent escape.&nbsp;When prosecutors analyze harm to bystanders, in this case, the infant, prosecutors must determine if the officer acted intentionally or with criminal recklessness toward the bystander. Criminal recklessness requires “conscious disregarding of a substantial and unjustifiable risk” and a “gross deviation from the standard of care.”The evidence in this case shows the officer responded to an immediate threat of deadly force when the woman approached the officers with the butcher knife; the suddenness of the attack—just seconds from the knife appearing to shots fired—left no time for a different response; and the officer had no space to retreat.Based on these facts and following Missouri law regarding use of force, the officer’s use of deadly force falls within the protection of the law. The evidence is also insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer intentionally shot the infant or consciously disregarded the risk to the child.“We recognize the profound loss suffered by the families and our entire community and frankly wish that circumstances were handled differently. However, that is not the role of this Committee or this Office. Rather, our review of this incident is ethically and legally limited to determining only whether criminal charges are appropriate,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “While this decision may not bring the closure many seek, especially given the weight of this tragedy, we are issuing this letter to uphold our commitment to transparency.”Read the full letter further explaining the decision&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2545/FINAL-Independence-OIS-Letter">here</a>.&nbsp;

No charges for KC area officer who shot and killed a woman and infant

Hemp beverage distributor Steven Busch worked against the bill he initially helped write and switched his support to legislation backed by the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

A second proposal backed by Missouri’s hemp industry to regulate products like hemp-THC seltzers and edibles was defeated in a House committee Thursday morning, after the hemp-beverage distributor who helped draft the bill emailed committee members that morning asking them to kill it.&nbsp;

The 5-7 vote in the House General Laws committee came after Republican state Rep. Dave Hinman of O’Fallon, the bill sponsor, spent hours last week trying to come up with a compromise among the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/16/missouri-lawmakers-file-bills-enacting-new-regulations-on-intoxicating-hemp-products/">splintered hemp industry leaders</a>&nbsp;on regulations.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/05/missouri-house-committee-rejects-bill-putting-age-restrictions-on-intoxicating-hemp-products/">same committee voted down a bill</a>&nbsp;backed by the Missouri Hemp Trade Association last week in a 1-13 vote.

After that defeat, Hinman incorporated a number of the hemp association’s requests into an amended version of his bill, which he presented Thursday. State Rep. Ben Keathley of Chesterfield, the chair of the committee, applauded Hinman’s attempt to bring the hemp leaders together.

“A lot of interests are working against each other in this bill, and it’s very difficult to come up with something that everyone’s going to be happy with,” Keathley said. “I think the bill sponsor put together a good package that allows us to do the most important thing of protecting Missouri children.”

Hinman’s amended bill addressed some of the concerns committee members had about&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/26/missouri-lawmakers-weigh-the-cost-of-regulating-intoxicating-hemp-products/">costs of testing</a>&nbsp;and increased the sales tax on these products to be the same as marijuana products, 6%. The bill also addressed concerns by hemp companies, he said, by allowing small-scale beverage manufacturers to self distribute and increased the maximum amount of THC per container.&nbsp;

But the fatal flaw that bill drafter Steven Busch,&nbsp;owner of Krey Distributing,&nbsp;could not support was allowing the continued sale of THC-A flower, which looks and acts very similar to marijuana buds.&nbsp;

Busch said he’s had discussions with Hinman previously about his concerns that THC-A is an unstable compound of the cannabis plant that becomes intoxicating when heated. And that process can happen when it sits on the shelf too long, he told committee members in emails and text messages Thursday morning.&nbsp;

Hinman told the committee he spoke with several industry experts who advised him the instability could be addressed by proper packaging requirements, which the bill included.

Earlier this week, Busch had told Hinman, whom he says he still highly respects, that he was pulling his support for the bill.&nbsp;

“It would really jeopardize the whole industry if they keep trying to push THC-A as hemp,” Busch told The Independent in an interview Thursday. “If somebody wants a product like that, they can very easily get it at a dispensary and that’s where it should be obtained.”

The two defeats essentially knocked the hemp industry out of the race to get regulations passed, clearing a path for two opposing bills backed by the marijuana industry.&nbsp;

The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association’s two bills, which have both&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/06/bills-adding-regulations-to-hemp-derived-thc-beverages-advance-in-missouri-legislature/">gained approval</a>&nbsp;by House and Senate committees, would ban intoxicating hemp products from being sold outside of marijuana dispensaries – with the exception of hemp beverages, such as THC seltzers currently sold in bars and liquor stores.&nbsp;

Busch said he’s now switched his support to the MoCann bills, sponsored by Republicans state Rep. Chad Perkins of Bowling Green and state Sen. Nick Schroer of Defiance. His company&nbsp;distributes 11 different hemp beverages in eastern Missouri.

“They have all the protections that we need for our consumers and businesses in there to make the product safe and properly regulated,” Busch said. “So I feel very confident that if they do pass, we’re going to be in great shape. If they don’t pass, we’re going to be in no man’s land again.”

Hinman’s bill allows beverages, edibles and vapes to continue to be sold outside of dispensaries, but be licensed and regulated under the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. Hinman said it was designed to protect about 2,000 hemp companies that will be “destroyed” under the MoCann bills.

Hinman respects Busch’s work on his bill to try to protect the entire hemp industry, he said, and acknowledged that Busch could have chosen early on to simply protect the hemp beverage industry, which is what the MoCann bills do.

With his and Baker’s bill now out, Hinman said lawmakers will be faced with a very hard decision.&nbsp;

“The choice is to put all these family businesses out of business and put their employees out of work,” he said, “and again feed into what I call a corporate monopoly, or to do something to protect kids.”

The Missouri Hemp Trade Association has opposed every bill except Baker’s, which only set an age restriction on purchasing the products in its final draft.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Currently, there’s no state or federal law saying teenagers or children can’t buy intoxicating hemp products or stores can’t sell them to minors — though some stores and vendors have taken it upon themselves to impose age restrictions of 21 and up.&nbsp;

The products lawmakers are trying to regulate have THC derived from hemp – which often comes from outside of Missouri – and face no government oversight. In contrast, marijuana must be grown in Missouri, and the plants are tracked from seed to sale by state regulators.&nbsp;

While the two products have the same effect, they fall differently under federal law. Federally, marijuana is a controlled substance, and hemp is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/11/farm-bill-debate-includes-hemp-regulation-as-issue-takes-center-stage-in-missouri-recall/">legal</a>&nbsp;– though several states have passed laws to prohibit intoxicating hemp products.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/14/missouri-lawmakers-take-aim-at-unregulated-delta-8-thc-hemp-products/">Missouri legislators have tried</a>&nbsp;for the past two years to do that as well.&nbsp;

The main challenge the MoCann bills face&nbsp;is another year of complete inaction by lawmakers to regulate these products, said Andrew Mullins,&nbsp;executive director of MoCann. He believes his group’s proposals address public health and safety and protect hemp businesses.&nbsp;

“That’s why I believe we’re still advancing and our coalition is building,” Mullins said, “versus the disintegration of these various voices and needs.”

Hinman said last week he sat down with several hemp association members and the group’s three lobbyists, along with two lobbyists who represent individual hemp businesses.&nbsp;

He incorporated a number of the association’s requests, he said, including the THC-A provision.

“I made changes to my bill in good faith that they would be on board,” he said of the association, “which now I regret making changes for them, as I think that’s part of the big problem of why my bill was defeated.”

Baker also expressed frustration with the association during a committee hearing last week when his bill was defeated.

Jeff Smith, the hemp association’s lobbyist, said that while organization doesn’t support Hinman’s bill it appreciates his efforts to “craft a compromise, and we definitely plan to continue conversations to try and reach one.”

Hinman, however, said for him and Baker, this is the end of the road.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742125337570.png" alt=" State. Rep. Dave Hinman, a Republican from O’Fallon, speaks with Jeff Altmann, a lobbyist for the Missouri Hemp Trade Association, about his bill to regulate intoxicating hemp products on Tuesday (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> State. Rep. Dave Hinman, a Republican from O’Fallon, speaks with Jeff Altmann, a lobbyist for the Missouri Hemp Trade Association, about his bill to regulate intoxicating hemp products on Tuesday (Rebecca Rivas/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Hemp beverage distributor Steven Busch worked against the bill he initially helped write and switched his support to legislation backed by the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/rebecca-rivas/">REBECCA RIVAS</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>A second proposal backed by Missouri’s hemp industry to regulate products like hemp-THC seltzers and edibles was defeated in a House committee Thursday morning, after the hemp-beverage distributor who helped draft the bill emailed committee members that morning asking them to kill it.&nbsp;The 5-7 vote in the House General Laws committee came after Republican state Rep. Dave Hinman of O’Fallon, the bill sponsor, spent hours last week trying to come up with a compromise among the&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/12/16/missouri-lawmakers-file-bills-enacting-new-regulations-on-intoxicating-hemp-products/">splintered hemp industry leaders</a>&nbsp;on regulations.The&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/05/missouri-house-committee-rejects-bill-putting-age-restrictions-on-intoxicating-hemp-products/">same committee voted down a bill</a>&nbsp;backed by the Missouri Hemp Trade Association last week in a 1-13 vote.After that defeat, Hinman incorporated a number of the hemp association’s requests into an amended version of his bill, which he presented Thursday. State Rep. Ben Keathley of Chesterfield, the chair of the committee, applauded Hinman’s attempt to bring the hemp leaders together.“A lot of interests are working against each other in this bill, and it’s very difficult to come up with something that everyone’s going to be happy with,” Keathley said. “I think the bill sponsor put together a good package that allows us to do the most important thing of protecting Missouri children.”Hinman’s amended bill addressed some of the concerns committee members had about&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/26/missouri-lawmakers-weigh-the-cost-of-regulating-intoxicating-hemp-products/">costs of testing</a>&nbsp;and increased the sales tax on these products to be the same as marijuana products, 6%. The bill also addressed concerns by hemp companies, he said, by allowing small-scale beverage manufacturers to self distribute and increased the maximum amount of THC per container.&nbsp;But the fatal flaw that bill drafter Steven Busch,&nbsp;owner of Krey Distributing,&nbsp;could not support was allowing the continued sale of THC-A flower, which looks and acts very similar to marijuana buds.&nbsp;Busch said he’s had discussions with Hinman previously about his concerns that THC-A is an unstable compound of the cannabis plant that becomes intoxicating when heated. And that process can happen when it sits on the shelf too long, he told committee members in emails and text messages Thursday morning.&nbsp;Hinman told the committee he spoke with several industry experts who advised him the instability could be addressed by proper packaging requirements, which the bill included.Earlier this week, Busch had told Hinman, whom he says he still highly respects, that he was pulling his support for the bill.&nbsp;“It would really jeopardize the whole industry if they keep trying to push THC-A as hemp,” Busch told The Independent in an interview Thursday. “If somebody wants a product like that, they can very easily get it at a dispensary and that’s where it should be obtained.”The two defeats essentially knocked the hemp industry out of the race to get regulations passed, clearing a path for two opposing bills backed by the marijuana industry.&nbsp;The Missouri Cannabis Trade Association’s two bills, which have both&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/06/bills-adding-regulations-to-hemp-derived-thc-beverages-advance-in-missouri-legislature/">gained approval</a>&nbsp;by House and Senate committees, would ban intoxicating hemp products from being sold outside of marijuana dispensaries – with the exception of hemp beverages, such as THC seltzers currently sold in bars and liquor stores.&nbsp;Busch said he’s now switched his support to the MoCann bills, sponsored by Republicans state Rep. Chad Perkins of Bowling Green and state Sen. Nick Schroer of Defiance. His company&nbsp;distributes 11 different hemp beverages in eastern Missouri.“They have all the protections that we need for our consumers and businesses in there to make the product safe and properly regulated,” Busch said. “So I feel very confident that if they do pass, we’re going to be in great shape. If they don’t pass, we’re going to be in no man’s land again.”Hinman’s bill allows beverages, edibles and vapes to continue to be sold outside of dispensaries, but be licensed and regulated under the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. Hinman said it was designed to protect about 2,000 hemp companies that will be “destroyed” under the MoCann bills.Hinman respects Busch’s work on his bill to try to protect the entire hemp industry, he said, and acknowledged that Busch could have chosen early on to simply protect the hemp beverage industry, which is what the MoCann bills do.With his and Baker’s bill now out, Hinman said lawmakers will be faced with a very hard decision.&nbsp;“The choice is to put all these family businesses out of business and put their employees out of work,” he said, “and again feed into what I call a corporate monopoly, or to do something to protect kids.”The Missouri Hemp Trade Association has opposed every bill except Baker’s, which only set an age restriction on purchasing the products in its final draft.&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, there’s no state or federal law saying teenagers or children can’t buy intoxicating hemp products or stores can’t sell them to minors — though some stores and vendors have taken it upon themselves to impose age restrictions of 21 and up.&nbsp;The products lawmakers are trying to regulate have THC derived from hemp – which often comes from outside of Missouri – and face no government oversight. In contrast, marijuana must be grown in Missouri, and the plants are tracked from seed to sale by state regulators.&nbsp;While the two products have the same effect, they fall differently under federal law. Federally, marijuana is a controlled substance, and hemp is&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/11/farm-bill-debate-includes-hemp-regulation-as-issue-takes-center-stage-in-missouri-recall/">legal</a>&nbsp;– though several states have passed laws to prohibit intoxicating hemp products.&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/04/14/missouri-lawmakers-take-aim-at-unregulated-delta-8-thc-hemp-products/">Missouri legislators have tried</a>&nbsp;for the past two years to do that as well.&nbsp;The main challenge the MoCann bills face&nbsp;is another year of complete inaction by lawmakers to regulate these products, said Andrew Mullins,&nbsp;executive director of MoCann. He believes his group’s proposals address public health and safety and protect hemp businesses.&nbsp;“That’s why I believe we’re still advancing and our coalition is building,” Mullins said, “versus the disintegration of these various voices and needs.”Hinman said last week he sat down with several hemp association members and the group’s three lobbyists, along with two lobbyists who represent individual hemp businesses.&nbsp;He incorporated a number of the association’s requests, he said, including the THC-A provision.“I made changes to my bill in good faith that they would be on board,” he said of the association, “which now I regret making changes for them, as I think that’s part of the big problem of why my bill was defeated.”Baker also expressed frustration with the association during a committee hearing last week when his bill was defeated.Jeff Smith, the hemp association’s lobbyist, said that while organization doesn’t support Hinman’s bill it appreciates his efforts to “craft a compromise, and we definitely plan to continue conversations to try and reach one.”Hinman, however, said for him and Baker, this is the end of the road.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lawmakers vote down a 2nd bill to regulate intoxicating hemp products in Missouri

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Saturday in Shawnee County.

A Ford F150 was eastbound on NW 35th from NW Hoch Road, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian. The pickup left the road and flipped into a ditch.

The driver and sole occupant of the pickup was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; The sheriff's office has not released the name of the victim. The accident remains under investigation.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Saturday in Shawnee County.A Ford F150 was eastbound on NW 35th from NW Hoch Road, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian. The pickup left the road and flipped into a ditch.The driver and sole occupant of the pickup was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; The sheriff's office has not released the name of the victim. The accident remains under investigation.

One dead after pickup flips into Kansas ditch

SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

On March 12,&nbsp; the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, as part of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force, conducted two narcotics related search warrants at residences in the 3600 block of SE 30th Street and the 2300 block of SW Eveningside Drive as well as a search warrant in the 2800 block of SW 29th Street. During the investigation, illegal narcotics and firearms were located.

Quentin K. Lawton, 45, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Distribute substance within 1000 feet of a school, Criminal possession of a weapon, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent,&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transaction

Quentin K. Lawton Jr., 22, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges including Criminal use of weapons, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia. Lawton Jr. also had two warrants for his arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741963993303.png" alt="Lawton has a previous drug conviction - photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lawton has a previous drug conviction - photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.On March 12,&nbsp; the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, as part of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force, conducted two narcotics related search warrants at residences in the 3600 block of SE 30th Street and the 2300 block of SW Eveningside Drive as well as a search warrant in the 2800 block of SW 29th Street. During the investigation, illegal narcotics and firearms were located.Quentin K. Lawton, 45, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Distribute substance within 1000 feet of a school, Criminal possession of a weapon, Possession of marijuana, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent,&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlawful to acquire proceeds from drug transactionQuentin K. Lawton Jr., 22, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges including Criminal use of weapons, Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant and Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia. Lawton Jr. also had two warrants for his arrest.

Kansas felon accused of selling drugs

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City man to 22 years in prison for the fatal shooting of another man that took place in 2023, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2531/Derek-Jones---Deferred-Sentencing_Redacted_FINAL_Redacted_FINAL">Derek Jones, 24, pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;last year to 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, Violating an Order of Protection, and 1st Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. With a 22-year total sentence cap, the judge sentenced the defendant to the total number of years requested by the state, which was the maximum authorized under the terms of the plea agreement: 19 years on 2nd Degree Murder, three years on Armed Criminal Action, one year on Violating an Order of Protection, and seven years on Endangering the Welfare of a Child.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2530/JONES-PC-Statement-RED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting at the 8300 block of Highland Avenue on March 12, 2023. They encountered a male victim just inside the front door of a residence who was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Witnesses identified Jones as the shooter, stating he forced his way into the residence after a witness unlocked the door. The defendant then discharged his firearm multiple times at the victim before fleeing the scene. Six children, including the victim’s child and the Jones' children, witnessed the entire incident.

Police located Jones and took him into custody within roughly an hour of the shooting.&nbsp;

While the defendant had no prior felony convictions, he had a history of domestic violence and violating orders of protection. The witnesses had orders of protection against the defendant at the time of the fatal shooting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678905755457.png" alt="Jones photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A Jackson County judge sentenced a Kansas City man to 22 years in prison for the fatal shooting of another man that took place in 2023, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2531/Derek-Jones---Deferred-Sentencing_Redacted_FINAL_Redacted_FINAL">Derek Jones, 24, pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;last year to 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, Violating an Order of Protection, and 1st Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. With a 22-year total sentence cap, the judge sentenced the defendant to the total number of years requested by the state, which was the maximum authorized under the terms of the plea agreement: 19 years on 2nd Degree Murder, three years on Armed Criminal Action, one year on Violating an Order of Protection, and seven years on Endangering the Welfare of a Child.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2530/JONES-PC-Statement-RED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police responded to a shooting at the 8300 block of Highland Avenue on March 12, 2023. They encountered a male victim just inside the front door of a residence who was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Witnesses identified Jones as the shooter, stating he forced his way into the residence after a witness unlocked the door. The defendant then discharged his firearm multiple times at the victim before fleeing the scene. Six children, including the victim’s child and the Jones' children, witnessed the entire incident.Police located Jones and took him into custody within roughly an hour of the shooting.&nbsp;While the defendant had no prior felony convictions, he had a history of domestic violence and violating orders of protection. The witnesses had orders of protection against the defendant at the time of the fatal shooting.

6 children witnessed murder of Kansas City man in their home

U.S. forces launched a large scale operation against Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen, at the direction of President Donald Trump.

On  March 15, U.S. Central Command initiated a  series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi  targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation.

U.S. forces launched a large scale operation against Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen, at the direction of President Donald Trump.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">CENTCOM Forces Launch Large Scale Operation Against Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen On March 15, U.S. Central Command initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and… <a href="https://t.co/u5yx8WneoG">pic.twitter.com/u5yx8WneoG</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1901001417831150000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742067087417.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742067133086.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On March 15, U.S. Central Command initiated a series of operations consisting of precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets across Yemen to defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation.

Trump orders strikes on Iran-backed terrorists in Yemen

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Nebraska contractor for allegedly defrauding customers across multiple states by failing to construct buildings after being paid, according to the United State's Attorney.

According to court documents, Bobby Bates Sr., 42, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged with two counts of wire fraud.

Bates, as the owner of Built Rite Construction, is accused of accepting deposits for construction projects and not starting or completing the work. Between February 2023 and October 2023, he allegedly defrauded customers in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas resulting in total losses of more than $700,000.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the case

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Nebraska contractor for allegedly defrauding customers across multiple states by failing to construct buildings after being paid, according to the United State's Attorney.According to court documents, Bobby Bates Sr., 42, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged with two counts of wire fraud.Bates, as the owner of Built Rite Construction, is accused of accepting deposits for construction projects and not starting or completing the work. Between February 2023 and October 2023, he allegedly defrauded customers in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas resulting in total losses of more than $700,000.The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the case

Contractor accused of defrauding customers in Missouri, 9 other states

KANSAS CITY—Multiple fatalities are reported in Missouri after a large storm system swept across the state and other portions of the U.S. Friday and early Saturday.

KANSAS CITY—Multiple fatalities are reported in Missouri after a large storm system swept across the state and other portions of the U.S. Friday and early Saturday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tornado Aftermath Update Information is becoming more accurate as the morning progresses. We currently have reports of 10 storm related fatalities. ▪️ Two fatalities, Ozark County ▪️ One fatality, Butler County ▪️ Six fatalities, Wayne County ▪️ One fatality, Jefferson County… <a href="https://t.co/vINGuYPNXq">pic.twitter.com/vINGuYPNXq</a>&mdash; MSHP General HQ (@MSHPTrooperGHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperGHQ/status/1900912135992987851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tornado leads to fatalities in the Bakersfield area. Troop G has been severely impacted by tornados, thunderstorms, and large hail. The Bakersfield area in Ozark County reports multiple injuries and two confirmed fatalities: an adult male and an adult female. <a href="https://t.co/W9Pvdktbc6">pic.twitter.com/W9Pvdktbc6</a>&mdash; MSHP Troop G (@MSHPTrooperG) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperG/status/1900818903955042703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Troopers are working weather related calls across Troop A. Please remain weather aware and heed any necessary warnings!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSHP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSHP</a> 📸Cpl. Fletcher, Ray County MO-210 and Pendleton Road <a href="https://t.co/Sz2YRXr3K0">pic.twitter.com/Sz2YRXr3K0</a>&mdash; MSHP Troop A (@MSHPTrooperA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperA/status/1900659184435167712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Severe storms caused significant damage in Rolla, MO. Buildings are destroyed, and power outages continue to affect the community. Stay safe and allow first responders and utility workers to do their critical work. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RollaStrong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RollaStrong</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StormDamage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StormDamage</a> <a href="https://t.co/jzwoRHmlwq">pic.twitter.com/jzwoRHmlwq</a>&mdash; MSHP Troop I (@MSHPTrooperI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperI/status/1900790451927416874?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In the aftermath of the storms across Missouri, we’re on duty all night. 🚨 Rescue Efforts – We are currently trying to locate &amp; assist those in need. Call 911 or *55 for help. 🚧 Keep Safe – Avoid downed power lines, pay attention to road closures, and check on your… <a href="https://t.co/9mTHTRrsXB">pic.twitter.com/9mTHTRrsXB</a>&mdash; MSHP General HQ (@MSHPTrooperGHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperGHQ/status/1900776010687054024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">These photos were taken just north of Seymour, in Webster County, last night. No injuries reported. Please be safe during today’s clean up efforts. 📸 credit- Tpr. Austin James <a href="https://t.co/a74agEkBHR">pic.twitter.com/a74agEkBHR</a>&mdash; MSHP Troop D (@MSHPTrooperD) <a href="https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperD/status/1900916903477997766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Multiple fatalities after monster storm rolls across Missouri

GOP legislative priorities are sailing through the process at the session’s midpoint, with a pair of high-profile bills targeting energy policy and St. Louis police already on Gov. Mike Kehoe’s desk

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

To say the GOP legislative supermajority in Missouri is functioning again would be an understatement.&nbsp;

After years of Republican infighting left the General Assembly mired in gridlock and setting new records for futility, a unified party entered the 2025 legislation session determined to move past the dysfunction.

On Thursday, as the session approached its midpoint and lawmakers headed home for spring break, Republicans took a victory lap.&nbsp;

“The folks standing behind me, and I’ve been around this building several years now, have certainly produced incredible results,” Gov. Mike Kehoe told reporters as he stood with GOP members of the House and Senate on the Missouri Capitol steps Thursday. “Party unity early in the session has been a big piece of it.”

Two high-profile bills that have historically faced fierce resistance have already found their way to Kehoe’s desk this week.&nbsp;

One is a sweeping utilities bill that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/13/bill-repealing-missouri-law-limiting-utility-charges-heads-to-gov-mike-kehoe/">repeals a consumer protection law</a>&nbsp;passed by voters almost 50 years ago.

The other is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=jason+hancock+police+control&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank">state takeover of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department</a>, a key piece of the governor’s public safety agenda.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Both would have been unthinkable in previous years, when the tumult made even routine legislation a heavy lift.&nbsp;

Numerous other Republican priorities have cleared one legislative chamber or the other, ranging from a $1.3 billion tax cut plan to state foster care system reforms to public school open enrollment to a permanent ban on puberty blockers and hormone treatment for transgender minors.&nbsp;

“It was the right year to join the Senate,” said state Sen. Brad Hudson, a Republican from Cape Fair who joined the chamber in January after several years in the Missouri House.&nbsp;

State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican, said this is the first time in her two years in the Senate where cooperation, instead of confrontation, is the major theme.&nbsp;

“People don’t hate each other,” she said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Democrats have been forced back onto defense, with only 10 seats in the suddenly functional 34-member Senate and no Republican discord to gum up the legislative process.&nbsp;

The vibe shift has caught the party flat footed at times, such as when they were&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-passes-bill-to-remove-expiration-date-on-transgender-health-care-ban/">slow to respond to a permanent ban on gender-affirming care</a>&nbsp;getting tacked onto an unrelated bill as an amendment earlier this year and thus were ultimately unable to get it removed.&nbsp;

“There were a lot of people who were lulled to sleep over the last few years,” said state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat who joined the chamber in January. “There was a bit of a slow awakening early on this session, because everyone was so accustomed to nothing happening and were shocked when bills started moving. But people are starting to get their legs under them.”&nbsp;

The bills that are being debated aren’t what Democrats would have chosen if they were in charge, Webber said. But being vastly outnumbered, they aren’t going to be able to dictate terms to the majority party.

“A lot of bills have passed,” he said, “but there’s also been a lot of negotiation to try to make bills better where we can.”

He pointed specifically at the state takeover of the St. Louis police.&nbsp;

Democrats weren’t able to stop the bill, but a number of provisions were added that have been longtime party priorities — such as banning the shackling of pregnant prisoners, establishing a fund for the wrongfully convicted to receive restitution from the state and limiting what jails and prisons can charge inmates for phone calls.

In the House, where Democrats have even less power with only 52 of the chamber’s 163 seats, the onslaught of the Republican agenda has some calling for a change in strategy.

“Democrats, we have to think strategically and come up with our own comprehensive plan to leverage our power in this chamber,” said state Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, a St. Louis Democrat. “I don’t think we’re doing a very good job of that this year.”

A big factor in the GOP’s early success is the change in the governor’s office, said House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican.&nbsp;

Kehoe was sworn in as governor in January, after six years as lieutenant governor and eight as a state senator. Unlike his predecessor, Republican Mike Parson, Kehoe has made it a priority to be a visible presence in the Capitol and personally work closely with individual lawmakers.&nbsp;

“He’s walking the halls, talking with members,” Patterson said, “and that leadership really makes a difference.”

There was also a lot of turnover in the Missouri Senate, both among rank-and-file members and leadership.

Senate Majority Leader Tony Luektemeyer, a Parkville Republican who assumed his leadership position in January, said that when his caucus can focus on “our shared principles” and working as a team, “we can deliver real results for the people of Missouri.”

State Rep. Marlon Anderson, a St. Louis Democrat and assistant House minority leader, didn’t share Luektemeyer’s rosy outlook on how the session has gone so far.&nbsp;

Anderson pointed specifically at&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/missouri-sick-leave-law-minimum-wage-hike-face-rollback-in-legislature-supreme-court/">Republican efforts to overturn Proposition A</a>, an initiative petition overwhelmingly approved by voters in November that guarantees sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers and gradually hikes the minimum wage to $15.&nbsp;

The House approved legislation Thursday that would repeal the sick leave law and modify the minimum wage increase.&nbsp;

But Republicans were unable to muster enough votes to enact an emergency clause, which takes a two-thirds majority, meaning that even if it were to pass and get to Kehoe’s desk it wouldn’t go into effect until Aug. 28 — months after the sick leave law kicked in.&nbsp;

The GOP is also determined to overturn Amendment 3, another voter-approved initiative petition that enshrined abortion rights in the Missouri Constitution.&nbsp;

Bills in the House and Senate would put another question on the ballot asking voters to reinstate Missouri’s abortion ban, but this time with a narrow exception for survivors of rape and incest who report the crime to police.&nbsp;

“We are basically fighting to uphold the will of the people,” Anderson said of his fellow Democrats. “The people voted in November. We’re going to stand with the voters.”

While abortion and paid sick leave legislation will run into Democratic resistance, several issues remain that could create fissures in the Republican caucus.&nbsp;

The House passed legislation that would shield German pharmaceutical company Bayer from liability in lawsuits that allege its herbicide Roundup causes cancer.

Nine Republican senators — including members of the Freedom Caucus, which was the focal point of GOP infighting the last two years — declared outright opposition to the bill, vowing to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/25/political-attacks-stiffen-opposition-to-missouri-bill-to-protect-pesticide-makers/">block it from coming up for a vote</a>.&nbsp;

Tensions within the party have even emerged on tax cuts.

A $300 million capital gains tax cut bill approved by the House earlier this year ran into problems in the Senate when GOP state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit joined with Democrats in&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-approves-1-3-billion-tax-cut-plan/">voicing concerns about its impact on the state’s finances</a>&nbsp;and which Missourians would benefit most.&nbsp;

“It’s just very skewed to the most wealthy people,” Cierpiot said of the proposal. “The 8,000 wealthiest families (in Missouri) will get more than half of the benefit.”

A public school open enrollment bill managed to clear the House with 22 Republicans joining with all but three Democrats in opposition. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it has stalled year after year..&nbsp;

Overall, a functioning legislature is a good thing for Missouri, Webber said, though it definitely comes with downsides.

“There are things that need to be done that were nearly impossible when the Senate didn’t function, so it’s good that we’re able to pass some bills,” he said. “But there are some really bad ideas that now have more potential to pass because the place is functioning.”

The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742036110087.png" alt=" Gov. Mike Kehoe speaks during a mid-legislative-session press conference with GOP leadership on Thursday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Gov. Mike Kehoe speaks during a mid-legislative-session press conference with GOP leadership on Thursday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>GOP legislative priorities are sailing through the process at the session’s midpoint, with a pair of high-profile bills targeting energy policy and St. Louis police already on Gov. Mike Kehoe’s desk</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jason-hancock/">JASON HANCOCK</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>To say the GOP legislative supermajority in Missouri is functioning again would be an understatement.&nbsp;After years of Republican infighting left the General Assembly mired in gridlock and setting new records for futility, a unified party entered the 2025 legislation session determined to move past the dysfunction.On Thursday, as the session approached its midpoint and lawmakers headed home for spring break, Republicans took a victory lap.&nbsp;“The folks standing behind me, and I’ve been around this building several years now, have certainly produced incredible results,” Gov. Mike Kehoe told reporters as he stood with GOP members of the House and Senate on the Missouri Capitol steps Thursday. “Party unity early in the session has been a big piece of it.”Two high-profile bills that have historically faced fierce resistance have already found their way to Kehoe’s desk this week.&nbsp;One is a sweeping utilities bill that&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/13/bill-repealing-missouri-law-limiting-utility-charges-heads-to-gov-mike-kehoe/">repeals a consumer protection law</a>&nbsp;passed by voters almost 50 years ago.The other is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=jason+hancock+police+control&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank">state takeover of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department</a>, a key piece of the governor’s public safety agenda.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both would have been unthinkable in previous years, when the tumult made even routine legislation a heavy lift.&nbsp;Numerous other Republican priorities have cleared one legislative chamber or the other, ranging from a $1.3 billion tax cut plan to state foster care system reforms to public school open enrollment to a permanent ban on puberty blockers and hormone treatment for transgender minors.&nbsp;“It was the right year to join the Senate,” said state Sen. Brad Hudson, a Republican from Cape Fair who joined the chamber in January after several years in the Missouri House.&nbsp;State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican, said this is the first time in her two years in the Senate where cooperation, instead of confrontation, is the major theme.&nbsp;“People don’t hate each other,” she said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Democrats have been forced back onto defense, with only 10 seats in the suddenly functional 34-member Senate and no Republican discord to gum up the legislative process.&nbsp;The vibe shift has caught the party flat footed at times, such as when they were&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-passes-bill-to-remove-expiration-date-on-transgender-health-care-ban/">slow to respond to a permanent ban on gender-affirming care</a>&nbsp;getting tacked onto an unrelated bill as an amendment earlier this year and thus were ultimately unable to get it removed.&nbsp;“There were a lot of people who were lulled to sleep over the last few years,” said state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat who joined the chamber in January. “There was a bit of a slow awakening early on this session, because everyone was so accustomed to nothing happening and were shocked when bills started moving. But people are starting to get their legs under them.”&nbsp;The bills that are being debated aren’t what Democrats would have chosen if they were in charge, Webber said. But being vastly outnumbered, they aren’t going to be able to dictate terms to the majority party.“A lot of bills have passed,” he said, “but there’s also been a lot of negotiation to try to make bills better where we can.”He pointed specifically at the state takeover of the St. Louis police.&nbsp;Democrats weren’t able to stop the bill, but a number of provisions were added that have been longtime party priorities — such as banning the shackling of pregnant prisoners, establishing a fund for the wrongfully convicted to receive restitution from the state and limiting what jails and prisons can charge inmates for phone calls.In the House, where Democrats have even less power with only 52 of the chamber’s 163 seats, the onslaught of the Republican agenda has some calling for a change in strategy.“Democrats, we have to think strategically and come up with our own comprehensive plan to leverage our power in this chamber,” said state Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, a St. Louis Democrat. “I don’t think we’re doing a very good job of that this year.”<h2>New leadership</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742036076390.png" alt=" House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, talks about legislative priorities passed in the first half of the 2025 legislative session during a GOP press conference Thursday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican, talks about legislative priorities passed in the first half of the 2025 legislative session during a GOP press conference Thursday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>A big factor in the GOP’s early success is the change in the governor’s office, said House Speaker Jon Patterson, a Lee’s Summit Republican.&nbsp;Kehoe was sworn in as governor in January, after six years as lieutenant governor and eight as a state senator. Unlike his predecessor, Republican Mike Parson, Kehoe has made it a priority to be a visible presence in the Capitol and personally work closely with individual lawmakers.&nbsp;“He’s walking the halls, talking with members,” Patterson said, “and that leadership really makes a difference.”There was also a lot of turnover in the Missouri Senate, both among rank-and-file members and leadership.Senate Majority Leader Tony Luektemeyer, a Parkville Republican who assumed his leadership position in January, said that when his caucus can focus on “our shared principles” and working as a team, “we can deliver real results for the people of Missouri.”State Rep. Marlon Anderson, a St. Louis Democrat and assistant House minority leader, didn’t share Luektemeyer’s rosy outlook on how the session has gone so far.&nbsp;Anderson pointed specifically at&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/missouri-sick-leave-law-minimum-wage-hike-face-rollback-in-legislature-supreme-court/">Republican efforts to overturn Proposition A</a>, an initiative petition overwhelmingly approved by voters in November that guarantees sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers and gradually hikes the minimum wage to $15.&nbsp;The House approved legislation Thursday that would repeal the sick leave law and modify the minimum wage increase.&nbsp;But Republicans were unable to muster enough votes to enact an emergency clause, which takes a two-thirds majority, meaning that even if it were to pass and get to Kehoe’s desk it wouldn’t go into effect until Aug. 28 — months after the sick leave law kicked in.&nbsp;The GOP is also determined to overturn Amendment 3, another voter-approved initiative petition that enshrined abortion rights in the Missouri Constitution.&nbsp;Bills in the House and Senate would put another question on the ballot asking voters to reinstate Missouri’s abortion ban, but this time with a narrow exception for survivors of rape and incest who report the crime to police.&nbsp;“We are basically fighting to uphold the will of the people,” Anderson said of his fellow Democrats. “The people voted in November. We’re going to stand with the voters.”<h2>Education, tax cuts and Roundup</h2>While abortion and paid sick leave legislation will run into Democratic resistance, several issues remain that could create fissures in the Republican caucus.&nbsp;The House passed legislation that would shield German pharmaceutical company Bayer from liability in lawsuits that allege its herbicide Roundup causes cancer.Nine Republican senators — including members of the Freedom Caucus, which was the focal point of GOP infighting the last two years — declared outright opposition to the bill, vowing to&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/25/political-attacks-stiffen-opposition-to-missouri-bill-to-protect-pesticide-makers/">block it from coming up for a vote</a>.&nbsp;Tensions within the party have even emerged on tax cuts.A $300 million capital gains tax cut bill approved by the House earlier this year ran into problems in the Senate when GOP state Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lee’s Summit joined with Democrats in&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-house-approves-1-3-billion-tax-cut-plan/">voicing concerns about its impact on the state’s finances</a>&nbsp;and which Missourians would benefit most.&nbsp;“It’s just very skewed to the most wealthy people,” Cierpiot said of the proposal. “The 8,000 wealthiest families (in Missouri) will get more than half of the benefit.”A public school open enrollment bill managed to clear the House with 22 Republicans joining with all but three Democrats in opposition. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it has stalled year after year..&nbsp;Overall, a functioning legislature is a good thing for Missouri, Webber said, though it definitely comes with downsides.“There are things that need to be done that were nearly impossible when the Senate didn’t function, so it’s good that we’re able to pass some bills,” he said. “But there are some really bad ideas that now have more potential to pass because the place is functioning.”The Independent’s Rudi Keller contributed to this story.&nbsp;

Missouri Republicans take victory lap as legislative session heads into its home stretch

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle 1 was northbound on Interstate 635 one mile south of Interstate 70. 

The vehicle struck a pedestrian walking in lane one of the Interstate.&nbsp; The Patrol released no additional details early Saturday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a vehicle 1 was northbound on Interstate 635 one mile south of Interstate 70. The vehicle struck a pedestrian walking in lane one of the Interstate.&nbsp; The Patrol released no additional details early Saturday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

One dead after pedestrian accident on Kansas highway

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline McConnell’s 2026 Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show, now scheduled for Oct. 17-18, 2026, according to a statement from the base.

The Thunderbirds are the Air Force’s premier aerial demonstration team, performing precision aerial maneuvers displaying Air Force high-performance aircraft to people worldwide. The show involves a mix of precision formation flying and intense solo routines demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force pilots and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The Thunderbirds last performed above the Wichita skies in September 2022.

Over 65,000 visitors arrived on day one of McConnell’s last air show on Aug. 24, 2024. The show never continued its second day after an unexpected wet microburst brought 54 mph wind gusts and torrential rain, leaving debris strewn around the flightline and air acts unable to operate safely.

The base looks forward to milder October weather and a historically lower chance of precipitation during next year’s show.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741967975433.png" alt="U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcons flies under a KC-135A, over the United States Aug. 16, 2024. The F-16 has a wingspan of 32 feet 8 inches. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcons flies under a KC-135A, over the United States Aug. 16, 2024. The F-16 has a wingspan of 32 feet 8 inches. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)</figcaption>
 </figure>MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.&nbsp;– The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline McConnell’s 2026 Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show, now scheduled for Oct. 17-18, 2026, according to a statement from the base.The Thunderbirds are the Air Force’s premier aerial demonstration team, performing precision aerial maneuvers displaying Air Force high-performance aircraft to people worldwide. The show involves a mix of precision formation flying and intense solo routines demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force pilots and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741968104926.png" alt="The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform air shows across the United States from March-November, 2023. During the 2023 season, the Thunderbirds performed 63 demonstrations across 32 locations as they celebrated their 70th anniversary. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Dakota Carter)" />
 <figcaption>The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform air shows across the United States from March-November, 2023. During the 2023 season, the Thunderbirds performed 63 demonstrations across 32 locations as they celebrated their 70th anniversary. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Dakota Carter)</figcaption>
 </figure>The Thunderbirds last performed above the Wichita skies in September 2022.Over 65,000 visitors arrived on day one of McConnell’s last air show on Aug. 24, 2024. The show never continued its second day after an unexpected wet microburst brought 54 mph wind gusts and torrential rain, leaving debris strewn around the flightline and air acts unable to operate safely.The base looks forward to milder October weather and a historically lower chance of precipitation during next year’s show.

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds set to return to Kansas air show

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating the theft of a vending machine in Manhattan.

Just before 9p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of criminal deprivation of property from the Blue Hills Shopping Center in the 2300 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd., according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 32-year-old woman reported a suspect took a large gray vending machine she owned that was in a breezeway at the shopping center. Total estimated loss associated with this report is $11,221. The RCPD had no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating the theft of a vending machine in Manhattan.Just before 9p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of criminal deprivation of property from the Blue Hills Shopping Center in the 2300 block of Tuttle Creek Blvd., according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 32-year-old woman reported a suspect took a large gray vending machine she owned that was in a breezeway at the shopping center. Total estimated loss associated with this report is $11,221. The RCPD had no additional details.

Police: Suspect took vending machine from Kan. shopping center

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is attempting to locate 30-year-old&nbsp;Ashod L. Chavez.

He is a suspect involved in an aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer which occurred in the 3200 block of Brooklyn Avenue.

&nbsp;On February 27, police were called to a disturbance at Brooklyn Avenue and Linwood Boulevard, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.&nbsp; Chavez is&nbsp; alleged to have attacked an officer at that time.

If you have information on the suspect, please contact the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced felony charges against a Kansas City man in connection with an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Feb. 27.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2536/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet---Chavez-RED">Ash-Od Chavez faces</a>&nbsp;Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. *

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2537/CHAVEZ-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were called to the 3200 block of Brooklyn Avenue on a disturbance. Based on body camera footage, officers attempted to make contact at the front of the residence. There was no response, but they heard a disturbance and walked to the backyard of a nearby residence. They observed the defendant holding a firearm and then raised it toward officers. A shooting occurred and officers retreated to find cover and wait for additional officers to arrive.

The residence was cleared, but police were unable to locate the defendant inside. He is still at large, and investigators are searching for him. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741898644288.png" alt="Chavez photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Chavez photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is attempting to locate 30-year-old&nbsp;Ashod L. Chavez.He is a suspect involved in an aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer which occurred in the 3200 block of Brooklyn Avenue.&nbsp;On February 27, police were called to a disturbance at Brooklyn Avenue and Linwood Boulevard, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.&nbsp; Chavez is&nbsp; alleged to have attacked an officer at that time.He is considered armed and dangerous.If you have information on the suspect, please contact the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPSJackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced felony charges against a Kansas City man in connection with an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Feb. 27.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2536/Afterhours-Complaint-Packet---Chavez-RED">Ash-Od Chavez faces</a>&nbsp;Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. *<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2537/CHAVEZ-PC-Statement_Redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were called to the 3200 block of Brooklyn Avenue on a disturbance. Based on body camera footage, officers attempted to make contact at the front of the residence. There was no response, but they heard a disturbance and walked to the backyard of a nearby residence. They observed the defendant holding a firearm and then raised it toward officers. A shooting occurred and officers retreated to find cover and wait for additional officers to arrive.The residence was cleared, but police were unable to locate the defendant inside. He is still at large, and investigators are searching for him. &nbsp;

Armed and dangerous: Man wanted for attack on KCPD officer

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase.&nbsp;

Just after 9p.m. March 9, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received notification of a theft that had just occurred from a business in the 6800 block of SW 29th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The adult female suspect fled the scene in a silver 2013 Kia Sorento heading westbound. A deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle near SW Indian Hills Road and SW 21st Street. The driver refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. The driver continued westbound on SW 21st Street and southbound on SW Auburn Road. 

A sheriff's office corporal performed a controlled vehicle intervention maneuver, which safely ended the pursuit near the 10400 block of SW Auburn Road.

The driver, Lynn A. Eldridge-Parker, 47, of Topeka, was taken into custody and transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

On Tuesday afternoon, Eldridge-Parker was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana, Theft &lt; $1,500 shoplifting, Flee or attempt to elude, Driving on left side where view is obstructed, Improper driving on laned roadway, Fail to yield to approaching vehicle when turning left,&nbsp;&nbsp;Failure to yield at a stop sign or yield sign, Speeding,&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving while a habitual violator, Driving while license suspended and Transporting an open container of liquor

Eldridge-Parker also had a Topeka Bench Warrant for her arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741795426928.png" alt="Eldridge-Parker photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Eldridge-Parker photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a high-speed chase.&nbsp;Just after 9p.m. March 9, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received notification of a theft that had just occurred from a business in the 6800 block of SW 29th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The adult female suspect fled the scene in a silver 2013 Kia Sorento heading westbound. A deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle near SW Indian Hills Road and SW 21st Street. The driver refused to stop and initiated a pursuit. The driver continued westbound on SW 21st Street and southbound on SW Auburn Road. A sheriff's office corporal performed a controlled vehicle intervention maneuver, which safely ended the pursuit near the 10400 block of SW Auburn Road.The driver, Lynn A. Eldridge-Parker, 47, of Topeka, was taken into custody and transported by American Medical Response (AMR) to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.On Tuesday afternoon, Eldridge-Parker was transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia, Possession of marijuana, Theft &lt; $1,500 shoplifting, Flee or attempt to elude, Driving on left side where view is obstructed, Improper driving on laned roadway, Fail to yield to approaching vehicle when turning left,&nbsp;&nbsp;Failure to yield at a stop sign or yield sign, Speeding,&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving while a habitual violator, Driving while license suspended and Transporting an open container of liquorEldridge-Parker also had a Topeka Bench Warrant for her arrest.

Kan. theft suspect moved from hospital to jail after high-speed chase

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an investigation in Barton County.

Just before 6p.m. Monday, police responded to United Parcel Services, 2316 9th Street in Great Bend in reference to a suspicious package, according to a media release.

Officers were notified that a package had been intercepted by staff and flagged as suspicious. Inside of the suspicious package, officers discovered 7.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine hidden within the contents of the package. The investigating officers were able to identify the suspect attempting to mail the package.

On March 11, police responded to a residence located at 2087 NW 60th Street, in Stafford County in reference to the execution of a narcotics search warrant. Officers apprehended the suspect from the UPS incident identified as 57-year-old Chandler Wieland. Officers and 56-year-old Lisa Rugan at the residence. During a search of the residence, officers located over 100 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, other controlled substances, evidence of drug distribution, as well as illegal and stolen firearms.

Wieland was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail and booked on requested charges that include two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons, possession of a stolen firearm and no drug tax stamp.

Rugan was also arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail and booked on requested charges of one count of distribution of methamphetamine, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon and no drug tax stamp

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741884457301.jpeg" alt="Photos Barton County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Barton County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an investigation in Barton County.Just before 6p.m. Monday, police responded to United Parcel Services, 2316 9th Street in Great Bend in reference to a suspicious package, according to a media release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741884428134.jpeg" alt="Photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers were notified that a package had been intercepted by staff and flagged as suspicious. Inside of the suspicious package, officers discovered 7.6 grams of crystal methamphetamine hidden within the contents of the package. The investigating officers were able to identify the suspect attempting to mail the package.On March 11, police responded to a residence located at 2087 NW 60th Street, in Stafford County in reference to the execution of a narcotics search warrant. Officers apprehended the suspect from the UPS incident identified as 57-year-old Chandler Wieland. Officers and 56-year-old Lisa Rugan at the residence. During a search of the residence, officers located over 100 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, other controlled substances, evidence of drug distribution, as well as illegal and stolen firearms.Wieland was arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail and booked on requested charges that include two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons, possession of a stolen firearm and no drug tax stamp.Rugan was also arrested and transported to the Barton County Jail and booked on requested charges of one count of distribution of methamphetamine, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon and no drug tax stamp

Kansas suspect attempted to send meth through UPS

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Stevens County Health Department have reported a positive case of measles in a resident of Stevens County, according to a media release from the KDHE.

 It is currently unknown whether this case is linked to any ongoing measles outbreaks in the United States. KDHE, along with the Stevens County Health Department, are notifying individuals who may have been exposed to this case of measles. This incident marks the first measles case in Kansas since 2018.

Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Usually, one to four days after these early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.&nbsp;Measles symptoms typically develop 10-14 days after exposure. Symptoms can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure.

Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. Measles can be spread from an infected person to others from four days before, to four days after the rash appears.

Because measles is a highly infectious disease, it is very important for anyone exposed and experiencing symptoms to isolate from others with the exception of visiting a health care provider.

The best way to prevent measles is to get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children get their first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose at age 4 to 6 years. Infants ages 6 through 11 months old should get the MMR vaccination if traveling outside the United States. Adults are protected from measles if they have had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, were born before 1957, or have evidence of immunity from a blood test.

If an individual has known exposure to someone with measles and they are not immune through vaccination or prior infection, they are recommended to:

Per&nbsp;K.A.R. 28-1-2, measles is a four-hour reportable disease. If a health care provider, laboratory or hospital suspects, tests, or diagnoses an individual with measles, KDHE should be notified immediately. KDHE will work with the health care provider on testing recommendations. Teachers and school administrators are also required by law to report suspected cases to KDHE. &nbsp;

Measles cases rarely occur in Kansas and are usually associated with international travel.

For questions, call the Stevens County Health Department at 620-544-7177 or KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317 (option 5).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741908251964.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Stevens County Health Department have reported a positive case of measles in a resident of Stevens County, according to a media release from the KDHE. It is currently unknown whether this case is linked to any ongoing measles outbreaks in the United States. KDHE, along with the Stevens County Health Department, are notifying individuals who may have been exposed to this case of measles. This incident marks the first measles case in Kansas since 2018.Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Usually, one to four days after these early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.&nbsp;Measles symptoms typically develop 10-14 days after exposure. Symptoms can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure.Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. Measles can be spread from an infected person to others from four days before, to four days after the rash appears.Because measles is a highly infectious disease, it is very important for anyone exposed and experiencing symptoms to isolate from others with the exception of visiting a health care provider.The best way to prevent measles is to get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children get their first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose at age 4 to 6 years. Infants ages 6 through 11 months old should get the MMR vaccination if traveling outside the United States. Adults are protected from measles if they have had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, were born before 1957, or have evidence of immunity from a blood test.If an individual has known exposure to someone with measles and they are not immune through vaccination or prior infection, they are recommended to:<ul>
 <li>Consult with a health care provider to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended.</li><li>Exclude themselves from public settings for 21 days from the last time they were exposed unless symptoms develop.</li><li>If&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp;develop, individuals should notify their local health department and stay away from public areas until four days after the rash appeared.</li><li>Individuals seeking health care are advised to call ahead to their health care provider and let them know their symptoms and exposure concerns. This will help limit exposure within the healthcare setting.</li>
 </ul>Per&nbsp;K.A.R. 28-1-2, measles is a four-hour reportable disease. If a health care provider, laboratory or hospital suspects, tests, or diagnoses an individual with measles, KDHE should be notified immediately. KDHE will work with the health care provider on testing recommendations. Teachers and school administrators are also required by law to report suspected cases to KDHE. &nbsp;Measles cases rarely occur in Kansas and are usually associated with international travel.For questions, call the Stevens County Health Department at 620-544-7177 or KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317 (option 5).

KDHE reports first case of measles in Kansas since 2018

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating two deaths at a home northeast of Kansas City.

Just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday, Excelsior Springs police received a 911 call requesting a welfare check for a home in the 200 Block of Woods Avenue, according to media release.&nbsp; A family member of the residents requested the check.

First responders found the residence was secure and a family ember then asked officers to force entry into the home to check on the residents. Police found two adult men deceased.

Police did not release a possible cause of death but indicated the victims died of unnatural causes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are investigating two deaths at a home northeast of Kansas City.Just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday, Excelsior Springs police received a 911 call requesting a welfare check for a home in the 200 Block of Woods Avenue, according to media release.&nbsp; A family member of the residents requested the check.First responders found the residence was secure and a family ember then asked officers to force entry into the home to check on the residents. Police found two adult men deceased.Police did not release a possible cause of death but indicated the victims died of unnatural causes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police: 2 found dead in Kansas City area home

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri’s Department of Social Services announced Thursday that it is appointing Sara Smith as the next director of Children’s Division, effective immediately.&nbsp;

Smith will be the agency’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/director-of-missouri-child-welfare-agency-stepping-down-next-month/">seventh</a>&nbsp;director since 2018.&nbsp;

Children’s Division administers child welfare services, including by investigating claims of child abuse and neglect and running the state’s foster care system.&nbsp;

Smith, previously the director of children’s residential programs and compliance within Children’s Division, has worked at the Department of Social Services for 19 years, according to a press release. Prior to working with the state, she worked at an organization focused on helping children experiencing abuse.&nbsp;

“Sara’s experience and dedication to supporting children and families make her an ideal leader for this vitally important role,” Gov. Mike Kehoe said in the press release. “Under Sara’s guidance, the Children’s Division will be able to make the necessary strides to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children in our state.”

The agency has been without a permanent Children’s Division director since&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/director-of-missouri-child-welfare-agency-stepping-down-next-month/">Darrell Missey</a>&nbsp;stepped down Nov. 1 after three years. Missey’s tenure was the longest of the six directors the division saw during former Gov. Mike Parson’s six years in office.&nbsp;

The Department of Social Services’ director, Jess Bax, was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/07/missouri-senate-approves-massive-child-welfare-bill-aimed-at-foster-care-system/">confirmed by the Missouri Senate last week</a>.&nbsp;

Bax praised Smith’s “deep commitment to child welfare, extensive experience, and strong leadership background” in the press release.

She added: “I want to applaud Governor Kehoe’s support throughout this transition and look forward to working with her to drive positive change and strengthen our efforts to support children and families.”

Smith said her new team will “focus on safety and streamlining processes to better serve kids and families.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741889705649.png" alt="Sara Smith, director of Children’s Division (photo submitted)." />
 <figcaption>Sara Smith, director of Children’s Division (photo submitted).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/cbates/">CLARA BATES</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri’s Department of Social Services announced Thursday that it is appointing Sara Smith as the next director of Children’s Division, effective immediately.&nbsp;Smith will be the agency’s&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/director-of-missouri-child-welfare-agency-stepping-down-next-month/">seventh</a>&nbsp;director since 2018.&nbsp;Children’s Division administers child welfare services, including by investigating claims of child abuse and neglect and running the state’s foster care system.&nbsp;Smith, previously the director of children’s residential programs and compliance within Children’s Division, has worked at the Department of Social Services for 19 years, according to a press release. Prior to working with the state, she worked at an organization focused on helping children experiencing abuse.&nbsp;“Sara’s experience and dedication to supporting children and families make her an ideal leader for this vitally important role,” Gov. Mike Kehoe said in the press release. “Under Sara’s guidance, the Children’s Division will be able to make the necessary strides to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children in our state.”The agency has been without a permanent Children’s Division director since&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/director-of-missouri-child-welfare-agency-stepping-down-next-month/">Darrell Missey</a>&nbsp;stepped down Nov. 1 after three years. Missey’s tenure was the longest of the six directors the division saw during former Gov. Mike Parson’s six years in office.&nbsp;The Department of Social Services’ director, Jess Bax, was&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/07/missouri-senate-approves-massive-child-welfare-bill-aimed-at-foster-care-system/">confirmed by the Missouri Senate last week</a>.&nbsp;Bax praised Smith’s “deep commitment to child welfare, extensive experience, and strong leadership background” in the press release.She added: “I want to applaud Governor Kehoe’s support throughout this transition and look forward to working with her to drive positive change and strengthen our efforts to support children and families.”Smith said her new team will “focus on safety and streamlining processes to better serve kids and families.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Children’s Division has been under intense&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/02/28/missouri-senate-delays-vote-on-new-social-services-director-over-foster-care-concerns/">scrutiny from lawmakers and advocates</a>. They have pointed to issues ranging from a lack of appropriate placements for foster children, resulting in kids staying in hospitals and offices, to the division doing a poor job placing foster kids with family and failing to spend designated funding to keep kids safely at home.